Los Angeles Doggie Street Festival

When economic times are tough, it's not only humans who suffer. Job loss and foreclosure have consequences for four-legged companions as well: The worse off people are, the more family pets are abandoned or turned in to shelters. San Diego documentarian Jude Artenstein got a good lesson on this in 2008 while doing research for a film about homeless dogs. With her golden retriever, Scout, by her side, Artenstein was moved to found the nonprofit Doggie Street Festival, now in its sixth year in San Diego and third in L.A. On July 20, you can power-walk your pooches (leashed only, please) down to the Westfield Century City Mall and join in the animal-advocacy good times at the third annual Los Angeles Doggie Street Festival. If you've been seeking more love and companionship in your life, ditch the dating sites and adopt a dog on-site. If you've already found true love with a fur baby, the festival features veterinarian booths for medical tips, dog boutiques showcasing luxury grooming menus and the latest toy technologies, plus a "Cupcake Lounge," whose inspiration sounds Marie Antoinette–level in its indulgence. There could not be a more perfect venue for whiling away a Sunday, consuming heaps of sugar with your dog and pretending the recession never happened. Bring the kids, as this is a family-friendly event. Whether you want to put them on a leash, too, is up to you. Westfield Century City Mall, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City; Sun., July 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free. doggiestreetfestival.org.
Sun., July 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 07/20/14)